League Of Their Own

I am always gently reminded that each of my children are different and unique in their own ways. Some parents start their kids out as early as 3 to play sports and claim they are wonderful athletes because of it. I disagree. For us, 5 years has been that magical number. (although with baseball 7 may be that number--t-ball is just too painful!) With each child that age seems to creep up faster than I remember. Personally, since I have watched both Taylor and Jared grow they don't really catch on to a sport or even the cognitive thinking of it until about the age of eight. Jared has definitely changed in just a few years. His games are FINALLY quite enjoyable to watch. He really thrives on trying to be a team player defensively and offensively. Just look at his concentration! And yes, he actually guards the other man.

Jared in action

I remember starting Jared when he was 5 and both Doug and I would be yelling, "Come on Jared, get the ball!!" I know Doug and I are guilty letting our competitive nature get the best of us. It's frustrating to see our children not use the aggressiveness we KNOW they have (at least horseplaying with their siblings not to mention all of that boy energy!) I have come to the conclusion that on most occasions it's the age and the readiness your child is before that "light bulb" kicks on. It's obvious Luke hasn't quite made that bulb switch on just yet, which makes good entertainment. I know I have been guilty of expressing my opinions about playing so young. You can often here me saying, THIS IS SO NOT WORTH IT! But, on the other hand my cute boy enjoys it, even if he stands there looking clueless watching his friend place his hands up (which he too should be doing) to defend the ball. This week Luke exclaimed "I only have two more games before it's over THEN I get my trophy right??" Whatever makes you happy honey. Just two more seasons and it will be worth it.

This face captures pretty much what we go through each week.
Luke are you paying attention??

Wanted: A Clone of Myself

The girls were all a bit scared taking a potty break at the camp sight.
By this point I was laughing so hard my eyes were watering!

After our rained out experience last year for the mother/daughter camp out, I told Taylor that we would try to go again this year. This was before I found out we had prior obligations with Jared's football as well as her dance/basketball practices. Long story short, Taylor was ultimately crushed when I broke the news to her that we wouldn't be able to attend. Of course, this was followed by sobbing and the guilt got the best of me. How could I not take her with as big of a helper as she is to me and the boys? So......after her dance class we caravaned up to the camp out with the Gordon's to stay only an hour. I explained to her there was no way I could set up camp, tear it down and be home by 7am. (Doug had clinic). Let me just say, it was an adventure from the get go. We already had a late start after feeding the girls and for some reason thought it was much closer than it was. It ended up taking us 2 hours traveling time and by the time we got there it was pitch black.

Angie and Ellice

Before finally entering camp, we experienced a scary high water crossing (Angie's car almost stalled!) a few deer, LOTS of smashed bugs on the windshield, and a bob cat (I still swear it was a cat). Needless to say, the girls were all a little shaken up when we arrived to camp. We were welcomed with open arms by several of our friends and they immediately helped Angie set up her tent. I held Maryn because she was a little freaked out, poor girl. Sadly, we only stayed for a few songs and a game and headed back on the road. I didn't want to get home too late and knew it was going to take me another 2 hours of driving time.

Taylor's basketball camp

Taylor and I arrived back around 1 am and I crashed within minutes. The alarm clock went off WAY too soon this morning. From the minute I woke up, the craziness started all over again. Jared had to be at his game by 9am (his game time was 10am) and Taylor had a basketball practice at 9:45am. Luckily, I was able to drop him off at a friends and meet up at his game later.

Jared and his best buddy Bryce

From my seat on the field it was very difficult to see the game, but Jared did get some playing time and seemed to be having fun. The boys looked so cute in their "official" game attire.

It was incredibly hot this morning, but the little boys did very well. (thanks to many packed snacks) I thought this photo was cute of them watching the cheerleaders as they ran out in the beginning of the game. Fortunately, Doug was able to meet up with us and stayed for the remainder of the game while I ran back to pick up Taylor. I love being busy, but tonight I am thrashed. I am sure it's a combination of a lot of driving (300+ miles in 12 hours!) and then an early start this morning. I have decided since this will be my new Saturday schedule I am in desperate need of a clone. I am definitely looking forward to a nice relaxing Sunday.

good deed: drove Taylor up to camp out.